August 19, 2002
RELIC LURES LICENSES POPEYE THE SAILORMAN

Malibu, CA - "Well, blow me down!" Relic Lures, LLC has acquired fishing equipment licensing rights to the classic seafaring character, Popeye the Sailor Man, from King Features Syndicate, Inc.

With one of his cartoons airing somewhere in the world nearly every minute of the day, Popeye the Sailor Man remains one of the most widely recognized, American-born, icons of all time. The broadcast exposure every Saturday on the Cartoon Network has introduced Popeye to a whole new generation of fans.

Marc Harrington, President of Relic Lures, pointed out, "E.C. Segar [who created Popeye in 1929] was reported to be an avid fisherman. I read that he 'enjoyed using monstrous, hideous lures for bait' … and that is something that Relic can relate to!"

Relic's first Popeye-based product will focus on the one of the sources of the Sailor Man's popularity (and indispensable plot device) - SPINACH! A fully functional top-water lure, in the shape of Popeye's iconic spinach can, will be produced. A unique, character-sculpted Popeye lure will follow in early 2003, along with other beloved characters.

About Relic Lures LLC: Relic Lures LLC produces fishing equipment with "genuine character." Relic products are designed to combine the functionality of traditional fishing tackle with the collectible appeal of popular licensed characters and brands. Relic products are marketed to specialty stores, sporting goods stores and the mass market in the United States as well as abroad.

About King Features Syndicate: King Features Syndicate is one of the largest and most experienced organizations in licensing. Among its most beloved and successful classic characters are "Betty Boop" and "Popeye." In recent years, King Features has diversified and now represents properties such as "Howdy Doody" and "Kukla, Fran & Ollie" from the popular 1950's children's television shows and "Cow Parade," the publicly displayed life-size cows. With a global network of 32 licensing and promotion agents operating in 75 countries, the New York City-based company offers manufacturers, advertisers and promotion partners full services in the areas of strategic sales and marketing, creative art, advertising and public relations, accounting, legal and business affairs.

King is also the world's premier distributor of comics, columns, editorial cartoons, puzzles and games to newspapers. King Features is a member of the Hearst Entertainment and Syndication Group, which combines The Hearst Corporation's cable network partnerships, television programming and distribution activities and syndication companies.